Engagement Photos

I was looking at wedding blogs online in search for photographers and chanced upon a vintage wedding at Riley's Farm. It was a beautiful wedding! Looking at the credits, I found out that the bride was also a wedding photographer - and yes, she loves vintage style photography!! Edgar and I have decided that our theme will be a mix of vintage, shabby slash boho chic. Lol, too much going on? Well they create a theme of classic pieces that make you feel at home; a theme that is all about simplicity and nature, with colors including white, blush, mint green, and pastels. Edgar is very supportive of it. When we were dating, I introduced Edgar to a world of antique stores and Rose Bowl flea markets - and he loved it!

So we finally decided to choose Vintage Modern Photography as our official wedding photographer. Included in the package was our engagement video. The ladies of VMP creates stop motion engagement videos for their couples. I haven't seen this type of video before, but I think's it's pretty awesome! Stop motion is a new trend in weddings this year. There's stop motion video and even stop motion photos! One thing I noticed though was that all the couple videos were, uh, cheesy. Lol. I'm not the cheesy type, so I don't like the idea of watching 2 long minutes of a couple holding hands in the park, kissing, and what not. I wanted ours to be short and sweet, but with a story.

We had our photo shoot at Riley's Farm to give our guests a sneak peek of our location. We also tried to incorporate our theme in the shoot, such as going antique shopping, having a shabby chic picnic, pastel balloons, and of course, nature. I think the video is funny. I had too many facial expressions, lol.

Favorite comments on the video: "I didn't know you had it in you! (Then a laugh)"; and my adorable niece Una, "They met because of the balloon!" Aaaww, she got the story!! Yey!!

Location.. Location..

Edgar and I started looking last January for a really nice venue where we could have our wedding reception. We went through so many websites and visited a couple of beautiful wedding venues but they were woah way out of our budget. I wanted an intimate, outdoor setting but even with a few guests, the costs were just crazy. It even gave me a relief they were booked!

Edgar proposed before Christmas and it wasn't until early this year when we sat down and decided to get married in the fall. As much as I wanted to save for it until about spring next year, he insisted we have it this year. Yep, we are definitely not getting any younger!! Lol. So I said yes, despite the fact that I knew all this planning would definitely be insane.

Anyway, Edgar really helped a lot in finding a good venue. He posted at his school's bulletin board and surprisingly a lot of women replied giving really interesting venues. We narrowed down our choices to about five, but we both had our eye on one. It seemed like the perfect place and the perfect price!! But we didn't want to be deceived by online photos. We had to see the place for ourselves.

We finally set an appointment to see the place. And WOW we both knew this was the one. I didn't take pictures that day. I completely forgot. We were just awed by the place... we chose a farm with a beautiful barn. It wasn't the outdoor setting I was looking for - but it was as perfect!! It wasn't harvest season when we visited, so I could just imagine how it would look with all the trees in bloom. There were apple trees, pumpkin patches, strawberry fields, amazing!

We booked the place that day, even if they were not available on the month we wanted. Although I did not take photos, we came back again for the food tasting a few weeks later. And guess what? It snowed that day ♥. It was (I believe) the first time I ever saw that much snow! (I went to Big Bear once but it was just something like flat snow, nothing fluffy, so I wouldn't really count that.) Anyway the food was great, the people were awesome, and the snow was beautiful!! Enjoy the photos!

My Christmas Surprise

12/20/2012  ♥

Al Fresco Santorini

I love al fresco dining. I am always in search for good food, al fresco style. My go to place and favorite is Santorini Cafe in Old Town Pasadena. They serve good Mediterranean food. They have an outdoor patio that is actually a roof top dining area. It was pretty chilly that night so they had to pull out the roof, unfortunately. The last time I had dinner here with Bun, we were dining under the evening sky. I love this place. Just beautiful. So I brought Edgar here for our 6 month anniversary. I had kebabs and lychee martini!

Sweet Lady Jane

I first came across Sweet Lady Jane when my friend, Rey, visited from Manila. He told me about this really good red velvet cake he bought at a cake store at Melrose, plus the fact that the slice was huuge. I didn't pay much attention - there are a lot of good red velvet cakes out there. And besides, cake slices in this country are normally huge. Anyway, it wasn't until he left that my boyfriend and I decided to try it out. A couple of red flags - it was in Melrose, parking meters only, you need to pay to get a table (are you f*cking kidding me?!?), and a slice is around $8. Was it worth it? Yeeeaaaahhhhhhhhhh...... (drool). BUT we're never coming back to Sunset. They have a nice corner cafe in Santa Monica!!! Just two blocks away from Peet's Coffee. I brought my family there, my boyfriend's family, and my family brought their other family and friends. This stuff is GOOD. I don't really like cakes that much but these are an exception! My favorites are the strawberry chocolate and the mixed berries - I'm not even sure if they're the exact names. I just point at the glass window, and binge. Feast your eyes...

Oh, and by the way, I'm back for now =).

I'm turning Jewish.

Recently I came across a Jewish reggae/hip hop artist whose songs and lyrics inspired me. No one has done that to me in a while... I've been mainly listening to typical mainstream songs by Maroon 5 - and following them in Twitter. And I guess I realized they're not as special as this one. The man is Matisyahu.

For those who follow him - yes, I know, where have I BEEN!?!?! Why have I not heard about his songs in years?!?! As Matis said in a TMZ interview, he's not just some artist who turns out to be Jewish. He sings and writes his songs about his culture and religion. King Without a Crown is just one of the best songs ever. One Day is just as inspiring.

I don't have to be Jewish to be inspired by his songs. We all have that concept and longing for God. Don't we? By the way, I follow him in Twitter too. His beard is just awesome, not to mention his beat boxin'!

Must grab boots in less than 24 hours.

I have to get at least one of these boots from Rue La La, by Boutique 9 and Ash.
These boots are at least 50% off only in 1 day!!!

SCOOOREE-d first boot on the left!!!

Sun and shade.

I love getting a tan at the beach. But every now and then, I need a little shade for that water break and to check if my tan is just right or bit too much. Over here we got some beach umbrellas. They're cool, but they're just too small, that you have to move every now and then to catch the moving shade. Bringing a tent to the beach on the other hand, just defeats the purpose of being at the beach, seriously! I've never really seen a better alternative, until now - thanks to some beach loving Aussies.

The Hollie & Harrie Sombrilla is simply awesome! Daily Candy adds, "the jaunty canopy ($150) provides enough shade for four people and is 95 percent UV resistant." They forgot to mention - expensive!!! Lol.

Regardless, I'm still digging it. Archiving it to my forever wish list. Ha.

Summer through my Blackberry lens.

Here's how my summer's been so far... Been getting a tan, biking by the beach, and taking the train.. No biggie. Nothing grand. Just chillaxin.

Summer is here!

Been a busy month for me. Crazy highs, and crazy lows. Seriously? Why can't I just be OKAY most of the time.. sigh. 

Like every girl, shopping I guess is the only thing that can cheer me up when I'm really bummed out. So just in time for summer, I bought a new navy Catalina maillot from Red Carter - to replace my Victoria Secret too-sexy maillot that I can only wear in the comfort of my gay friends... lol. 

Ain't it sailor pretty?! Apparently my ass doesn't look like that. Lol. Can't wait to get it in the mail... (I just hope it fits).

My New Bike!

I finally got my bike - a Globe Daily 3 Step-thru with 7-speed internal gear and an awesome integrated rack, and a surprise front and rear lights. Downside? It wasn't the color and height that I expected. I thought getting a small would mean having my feet flat on the floor. Instead I have to tip toe and pray I don't fall down when I hit the breaks. Oh and not to mention, the bruise I got on my ass where my testicles would be if I were a guy - LOL. I was hoping for the grey blue - but I got it in a dark blue, seriously?!? Globe is messed up. Nevertheless, I think my  bike is awesome.

Hope to ride it in the beach this summer... if I figure out how to fit it in my car. Looking forward to some butt-sore adventures!

Adam Lippes.

I recently (just tonight) stumbled upon an up and coming designer, Adam Lippes. I was amazed by his collection. This is the other "me" talking - the I don't feel like being rocker chic today. Perfect words to describe his style: simple yet dressy (yes, it's possible), effortless, neutral (white is SO my favorite color) and basic, and so lady-sexy (if there's such a word). I think my taste is evolving. It scares me sometimes, lol. He is totally different from Balmain - whom i worship. Worship! Or maybe coz I'm just obsessing about his crochet skirt...

Lurv it!!!

The Spanish Galleon has arrived.

I first saw the "Ship Ring" in an issue of Lucky Magazine. I'm a huge fan of rings and it has always been my staple accessory. I knew deep down I was a rocker chick by heart - and this was THE ring for me. Carried by Flotsam and Jetsam, this ring was "inspired by pirate ships and the dark & stormy mystery of the sea... Designed by a welder trained in the old fashioned art of silversmithing. Exquisitely crafted, intricately detailed."

I emailed the store and ordered one online - at a 20% discount. Yeah! This ring isn't inexpensive you know. As soon as I got the ring, I was simply awed by the details. It was beautiful and totally rocked on my hand. It was totally worth it. Downside - it was a bit loose for my middle finger. I tried to get an exchange but there was no more size. It's all good. I just settled for a ring snuggie - life saver!!

Featuring: Floundering

Every now and then I will post a blog entry or feature or listing - any online page that mentions my book. Hey this is my blog - so let me enjoy the limelight every once in a while ;-).

As I posted on my Facebook status: "Floundering is still very much alive. I'm SO amazed at how readers have blogged about it and quoted their favorite lines.. and how libraries have added it to their archives. I admit I'm no great writer.. but wow, for a moment there, I felt immortal."

Tonight's feature is an article from Cosmopolitan magazine website, written by Irene Curtis: "Cosmo Reads: 8 (Almost) Cheap Books To Take Your Mind Off Your (Almost) Empty Purse." And book #1 - well hello there, pink book - sitting right next to Eat Pray and Love. Seriously?! Awesome!

Read article here.

Feet Lingerie.

I love my feet so much, I bought them lingerie. Speaking of wish lists, this one has been on my list for about a year now. They were out of stock for some time plus it was kinda expensive for some "toe socks." Recently Vicki (close?) came out with new designs and colors - and I just had to get a pair before they're out of stock again.

I got the nude lace as well.. but I haven't worn it yet. Love it!!!

Visit Vicki Kysella's shop here.

Wish List#2.

For some reason, I want to own a bicycle - a cruiser specifically. I guess hanging out at the beach and jogging around the foothills made me think that it would probably be awesome to cruise around in a bike. A vintage bike would be really, really great - with a basket for sure. But I haven't found "the one" yet.

The closest one I've seen so far is the Electra cruiser. It's brand new but it looks kinda vintage. Just add a basket and it's purr-fect! BUT - it costs around $599. Ka-ching. Ka-ching.

Wish List#1.

I'm in luuurrvee... with a bag.

I promised myself to stop collecting bags - seriously. Until recently, I saw this feature in Lucky magazine about types of bags that are currently must-haves. Some of them I already have.. some, not really interested. And then I saw the short-strap square purse - it was love at first sight..

Why have I not seen this before?! Why have I not coveted one before?! Crazy, it's so beautiful, classy, oooh and very my-age. I realized I should stop dressing like I'm still in my early twenties.. and try to be more classy-trendy. Ya know!? Lol.

I was so hooked that I took a long-strap squarish purse given by a good friend last Christmas - and CUT the strap!! Yep, I LOVE IT MORE NOW..

Moving forward, here's the bag that's on my wish list: Kate Spade's Gold Coast Shimmer Evangeline bag.

CLASSIC. $395 - yeah, this one will be in my wish list for a long time, for sure.

Wish List.

My wish list is piling up....

Since I'm hella bored and uninspired, let me blog about my TOP (insert number here) ITEMS in my wish list. I promised not to shop much this year... but I just recently swiped my card in Club Monaco. Ugh. I don't think I can do this. Help!!!

I ended up buying their Maggie Pant in olive green - among a sinful others. I think it's very spring and very my-age. I should cut down on jeans. It's just too casual, donchatink?

Anyway it's my sister's fault - she gave me a CM gift card for Christmas. She knows I LOVE this store, and that I just can't afford to shop there..lol.

Hello 2011.

What to blog... what to blog... So what are your NY resolutions?
I need to exercise more, continue to eat healthy food, and take care of my skin. I have to keep my 'youthful' look.. coz this year I am officially off the calendar. EEK!!! Lolz.

Less shopping. More saving.
Less drama. More patience.
Only happy thoughts and happy disposition.

This will be the new MEE. :) Cheers!

Great tips to look younger.

I have to blog this down so I can follow this regimen - and see it if works. The older you get, indeed the more conscious you are about your beauty and health. (Taken from Harper's Bazaar October 2010 issue.)

1) Stock up on olive oil. Extra-virgin olive oil contains fatty acids similar to those found in our skin and is an incredibly gentle moisturizer. Slather on a thin layer of unflavored oil at night.

2) Baby your hands. Apply a layer of Vaseline and wear cotton gloves to bed to keep the treatment in place overnight. Skin looks suppler, and cuticles will benefit too.

3) Treat your feet. Apply a thin layer of over-the-counter salicylic acid Keralyt Gel and a dollop of Vaseline to areas where your skin is thick or scaly, then put on your socks. The combo keeps calluses and blisters at bay for instantly prettier, younger-looking feet.

4) Reverse brown spots. Lemon juice diluted with water helps fade sun spots on all skin tones. Since acids can be irritating, apply it before bed with a Q-tip, and gradually increase to twice daily. Stop if your skin gets too light.

5) Refrigerate skin-care products after opening them. You'll get more of a lifting effect from your products if they're cold. A room-temperature depuffing cream can take up to two hours to work versus only 10 minutes when it's been in the fridge. Plus, this technique keeps products fresher longer.

6) REMOVE MAKEUP BEFORE BED. Although this is pretty obvious, I'm guilty of this sin sometimes.